My agent sent me a copy of the press releases for the new Carina and Harlequin Horizons ventures. One question that has been coming up all over the readers and writers sites is can an author who pays the vanity press, Harlequin Horizons to publish their work call themselves a Harlequin author? Apparently, the answer is a BIG NO! According to the press release, Harlequin doesn’t even plan to link to the books available at Harlequin Horizons. Kind of wondering if those of you who were thinking of ‘investing’ in this venture still think it’s a good idea?
I want to buy a new computer. My current machine is getting a little long in the tooth. I’m well aware that the new Windows 7 OS is supposed to be pretty good. That said, I’m trying to decide whether to buy a 27 inch iMac or a comparable Windows machine. I’d like to hear from those of you who’ve recently made a similar decision and those of you who’ve gone from a PC to a Mac. All opinions are welcome. 
I go back and forth between Mac and PC. I think my desktop replacement is going to be a Mac mini.
And I’m glad that there’s some separation between HH and Harlequin, although I still don’t get why they put the Harlequin name on it but not really. It’s, um, confusing.
by Charli November 18th, 2009 at 3:07 pmCharli, I’m looking for a desktop replacement.
I don’t get the name thing either. If they were going to give their name to anything I would’ve thought it would be to the Carina line.
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 3:20 pmAnd seriously what’s going to stop those authors from claiming they are Harlequin authors?
Oh and I heard that even though these are supposed to be self published books, meaning the authors own the books, there is something about only paying these authors 50% royalties.
Um, if I pay to self publish don’t I OWN the whole book and sell it for whatever and keep all the monies?
by Vivi Anna November 18th, 2009 at 4:33 pmVivi, They will absolutely call themselves Harlequin authors. Why wouldn’t they? It’s to their advantage.
WOW! BLINK! WOW! Holy crap.
You would think that would be how it works, but I have heard that HH keeps the copyright. Hmm…
by Jordan Summers November 18th, 2009 at 4:36 pmIf you’re just looking for a desktop to write, I recently bought an HP at Best Buy – mostly because of the warranty. I also bought an extra large monitor, because I have bad back and I write in a recliner with the wireless keyboard on my lap.
The HP ran me around $600 and so far it might be the best purchase I made. Laptops don’t do well with me. I kill them.
by Ilona November 19th, 2009 at 8:58 amI don’t think you’ll go wrong with anything you choose, Jordan. The only really important item is the software you wish to use on your platform. If the machine comes with everything you want to use then I doubt it will matter what the platform is. File conversion is so advanced there is nearly seamless communication now. A bad choice would be a great deal on a computer you have to add a thousand dollars worth of software to. Get as much RAM memory as you can afford – nothing less than 2 gigs. A quad processor is nearly standard on everything but make sure.
by BernardL November 19th, 2009 at 9:11 amIt’s not 50% of royalties… it’s worse… it’s 50% of net if I remember right. O_O
And I’m sorry, but it’s unrealistic for anybody @ HQN to think the authors who choose to use H.Hor. won’t use HARLEQUIN.
I mean, technically, since the pub is called HARLEQUIN HORIZONS…and it’s a HQN publishing arm, they ARE Harlequin authors.
I need a new laptop. Mine’s still working ok, but the voice software, I need one with a faster processing speed. That’s my big office/biz expense planned for 2010.
We bought a Sony all in one desktop this year and so far, I love it.
by Shiloh Walker November 19th, 2009 at 10:17 amWhen we got new comps we ended up with a Toshiba laptop and an HP desk unit. Course we’re cheap and got them cause they were on sale – dont’ know about Windows 7, :::sigh:: Vista here and I dont upgrade that until I either need a new comp or Vista doesn’t work and I have to upgrade. Me hate upgrading!
by Tammy November 19th, 2009 at 10:50 amIlona, I’m definitely looking for a desktop computer at present. When I write at the coffee shops, I take my NEO. I’m sure at some point I’ll get another laptop, but for now I really only need a desktop machine with a very big monitor. I’d like something all in one, so I could free up space on my desk, but it’s not mandatory.
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 11:20 amBernard, Will do. Dh says there is a learning curve for going from a PC to a Mac. He’s worried I won’t have the patience to give it the time needed. (I have no idea where he gets such notions from. *g*) I’m wondering if I get a Mac how long it’ll take me to pick it up.
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 11:22 amShiloh, The HH is a joke. Unfortunately there are a lot of desperate writers out there who will fall for it. And that’s sad.
I’m not sure if I saw the Sony all in ones. I did go to the Microsoft store the other day and had a quick look around. It was very busy with people playing since the holidays are upon us. I think I’ll have to go take another look before I make my final decision.
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 11:24 amTammy, I understand. I’m not going for the most expensive computer nor am I going for the cheapest. We always buy in the middle, so that the machine isn’t outdated quickly.
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 11:26 amWe went Mac to Windows years ago. Best decision ever. My opinion (for what it’s worth) Unless you’re really into graphics and desktop publishing, or you just dig Mac culture because you buy into the ad campaigns, go PC. Recently I started using Windows 07. Bit of a learning curve, but I’m an all but stone tablets and chisels kind of user. The large screens are very nice: we went monster huge with our desktop, and moderate size with my lap top and it was a good compromise. Have fun shopping!
by Ursula November 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pmUrsula, I’m curious, why did you change from a Mac to Windows? As for being into graphics and desktop publishing, if you would’ve asked me that question a year ago, I would have said no. These days I may need to be able to do all kinds of things on the puter that I never dreamed about (ie making book videos, my own cover art, etc.). Thanks!
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pmLarissa and I both went from PCs to Macs (laptops) last December, I think…I will NEVER EVER go back to a PC. I have a PC desktop I’m replacing with a mac mini this Christmas. I adore the Mac. I don’t think you can go wrong with one. The set-up is effortless, and everything else is just so damned easy.
Yes, I’m now one of those obnoxious Mac converts.
by Stephanie Tyler November 19th, 2009 at 6:57 pmStephanie, See I’ve heard that from a lot of people. I was told it takes a while to get used to them, but once you do, then no problem.
I’m curious do you use Mac Word to write you manuscripts in? I’ve been really worried because I’ve heard it’s not exactly compatable.
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 7:04 pmIt didn’t take me long at all to get used to it! And I write in Scrivener for Mac – it’s an awesome writing program (similar to Write Way Pro) for windows. You can see all your scenes, and it’s awesome, especially if you write out of order like I do. And with Scrivener, when you’re done, you compile the ms, convert to word and send to editor! I’m so happy Larissa pushed me into using it (and WWP originally) – it’s so much easier than having to scroll thru entire word docs.
I do have word for Mac – I’ve had no problem opening old PC docs on it at all!
The hardest thing for me was getting used to the new writing program. Beyond that, I honestly found things on the Mac to be really easy and straightforward…
by Stephanie Tyler November 19th, 2009 at 9:17 pmThanks Stephanie!!!
by Jordan Summers November 19th, 2009 at 9:24 pm